ECZEMA 449 



great itching they cause, or they become altered into pustules. Later 

 we see the appearance of small scabs under which regeneration of the 

 epidermis occurs, the hair falls off or frequently long solitary hairs are 

 found, the skin is thickened, developing wrinkles, crevices which fre- 

 quently are raw, and the surface dull, lead colored, ''elephant hide" 

 in appearance (Fig. 159). In the other regions desquamation of the 

 epidermis follows, particularly in summer; the animal, from the intense 

 itching, scratches and tears the skin, converting the entire surface into a 

 raw bleeding space with spots of pigmentation. There is more or less 

 itching, but the irritation is not nearly so great as in sarcoptic mange, 

 and is limited to the affected skin. 



In chronic eczema the condition gradually creeps up the back, 

 becoming broader and assumes a dull dark lead colored ''elephant hide" 

 look, with long unhealthy hairs here and there, or else this condition 

 may prevail during the summer months, defying all forms of treatment, 

 and when the cool autvimn months come the irritation gradually sub- 

 sides, the hair begins to return, becomes thick and normal by January 

 or February and remains so until July or August comes, and the con- 

 dition returns. 



The following is a list of remedies useful in eczematous eruptions: 



Ichthyol ointment, 2 to 5 per cent., with equal parts of lanolin and 

 cosmoline. 



Ichthyol tar-soap moistened and rubbed on the itching parts and 

 allowed to dry. 



Permanganate of potash solution of the strength of 1 to 3 per cent, 

 where the skin is peculiarly irritable. 



Where the surfaces are widespread and moist, dust with equal parts 

 of talcum, lycopodium, and boric acid. 



For use in the house on pet-dogs that have the range of the parlor 

 and lounge on the rugs and furniture, try a 15 per cent, solution of 

 hyposulphite of soda. 



Creolin baths of the strength of 5 per cent, will give very great relief 

 for many hours. 



In the finer toy varieties, try a 1 per cent, solution of trikrcsol; ten 

 grains of boric acid to the ounce of this solution adds to its efficacy in 

 some cases. 



Chloro-naphtholeum, two ounces to the gallon of water, is a useful 

 medicated bath for the large varieties of dogs, and is destructive to 

 parasitic forms of life. 



Trikresol soap is far safer and better than carbolic acid soap for 

 bath purposes when washing dogs frequently. 



Do not use bichloride of mercury solutions in moist eczema. 



Starch and oxide of zinc may be used separately or in combination 

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